Botox Lip Flip: How Many Units Do You Need?

By: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist — Sharing tiny tweaks that bring big results.

Units explained and my before/after results

Thinking about a lip flip? I was too. I wanted real answers. A lot of providers start around 4–6 units. I started with 4. Small dose. Subtle change. Natural look.

Lip flip before and after: 4 Units on thin lips

See my lip flip before and after thin lips (no filler) pictures — full gallery.

I have thin lips that hide when I smile. A lip flip helped the upper lip curl a bit. You’ll find before, after, and smile shots in the gallery.

How a Botox Lip Flip Works

First things first, let's break down what exactly a Botox lip flip entails.

Botox relaxes the muscle above the lip. The top lip rolls out slightly. You get more shape, not more volume.

The treatment takes minutes. Two tiny injections on each side. Mine was quick and easy.

How Many Units for a Lip Flip?

In many practices, lip flips often start around 4–6 units. Some may need up to 8 for a bigger curl. Ten units is usually too much for a natural smile.

What changes the dose:

• Lip muscle strength.
• Naturally thin lips vs fuller lips.
• Your smile and goals.
• Any past filler.

My injector, Mandi Johnson, RN (Refresh and Refine Spa), says dose depends on muscle strength and your goals.

ABZ tip: Start low. You can always add a unit later.

What 4 Units Look Like on Thin Lips

I used 4 units. Eight days later, the flip settled. My upper lip stopped disappearing when I smiled.

It’s not puffy. It’s not “done.” Just a soft curl and cleaner edge.
Check my before and after pictures to see it clearly.

8 Day post injection. Subtle lift with 4 units of Botox. Injected by: Mandi Johnson, RN Injector (Refresh and Refine Spa). Result shown: 4 units. Thin lips, natural smile.

How long does a lip flip last

Most results last 3–4 months. Touch-ups can stretch that. Often with fewer units than your first visit.

Recovery: What it felt like for me

Recovery is typically quick and easy—especially with small doses like 4 units.

Common side effects are usually mild and fade within a few days. They may include:

• Slight bruising or swelling at the injection sites
• Mild tenderness or discomfort
• Trouble drinking from a straw or puckering

These are manageable with ice packs or over-the-counter pain relievers (though I personally didn’t need either).

Note: I had 4 units injected into my upper lip and didn’t experience any of these side effects—but results can vary.

Less common issues (especially with higher units) are:

• Over-relaxed muscles that affect your smile or facial expressions
• Asymmetry in your lips (uneven curl or smile)
• Trouble speaking, eating, or using a straw
• Numbness or loss of lip sensation
• Extended recovery with longer-lasting swelling or discomfort

That’s why it’s so important to start small and work with someone experienced.

How Much Does a Lip Flip Cost?

Many clinics price Botox per unit. Common range: $10–$15 per unit. So a lip flip usually costs $40–$90 for 4–6 units. But rates will vary depending on location.

FAQs: Units, Photos, and Results

Takeaway: Start small

For me, 4 units was just right—enough to lift and shape my upper lip without changing my overall look. But your perfect dose might be slightly different depending on your lip shape, muscle strength, and goals.

The key? Start small. You can always add more later.

If you're curious about what the results actually look like on thin lips, check out my before and after photos.

And if you're thinking about combining it with filler, here’s what lip filler can really do—and why I still do both.

Whether you're new to lip treatments or just want something subtle, a lip flip might be that tiny tweak that makes a big difference. It was for me. 💋

Curious what else Botox can do? Here are 10 benefits that might surprise you.

Related:

If you're thinking about a Botox lip flip for fuller lips, don’t forget to nourish them! Try this DIY lip balm recipe to keep your lips soft, hydrated, and healthy between treatments.

Want to keep your lips looking youthful naturally? Check out these anti-aging lip care tips for simple ways to reduce lip wrinkles, boost lip hydration.

¹ Source: Sundaram et al., 2016 – Pan-Asian Consensus on Aesthetic Botox Use

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